If you’re worried about getting the ever-so-reliable Social Security check next month, stop fretting. You’ll still get that income even if the government does shutdown.

Crazy as it may sound, when it comes to a government shutdown, not a lot of it really does.

According to an AP story dated Feb. 24, 2011 that focused on the subject, I learned the following:

• What DOESN’T shut down? Well, the FBI, Coast Guard and the Border Patrol would remain open. Same with all branches of our armed forces at home, abroad and those fighting in wars. Air traffic control workers, food inspectors, and postal workers would still be going to work and getting paid. As would those in Federal courts or working for Social Security, Medicare and the Vet’s health care programs. And, the Capitol would remain open— Congress too.

•What WOULD shut down? National parks would be closed to visitors, no one would answer the IRSs taxpayer hotline, people who have already filed their taxes and scheduled to get refunds would have to wait. Federal contractors and some contract workers could be furloughed without pay.

In total, the story reported that about one-quarter of all those employed by or in some fashion for the government wouldn’t work if there were a shutdown on March 5.

• Have government shutdowns happened before? Oh, yes.

From the piece: “They happened every year when Jimmy Carter was president, averaging 11 days each. During President Reagan’s two terms, there were six shutdowns, typically of just one or two days apiece. Deals got cut. Everybody moved on . In 1995-96, however, shutdowns morphed into political warfare, to the dismay of Republicans who thought they could use them to drag Clinton to the negotiating table on a balanced budget plan ”

During the Clinton administration, two shutdowns happened, one in 1995 the other 1996.

So, not to worry about that Social Security check due to you in March. If history continues to repeat itself, the check will be in the mail. Or, directly deposited.